Department of Justice

United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver
Southern District of Georgia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
07/13/2011

CONTACT: JAMES D. DURHAM
FIRST ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
(912) 341-7842

Savannah Residents Charged With Student Loan Fraud

SAVANNAH, GA - MAKARA PRINGLE, 33, MICHAEL PRINGLE, 29, and RENADA GIVENS, 29, all of Savannah, were indicted today by a federal grand jury for their roles in a scheme to defraud the United States of college student loan money.

United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver said, "The defendants, none of whom completed high school, are charged with stealing money from the United States that was meant to put deserving students through college. It has been said that education is the key that unlocks all doors. Frauds like these, however, are keys to but one door, a federal prison cell."

The indictment alleges that the defendants, none of whom received a high school diploma or GED, made and caused to be made false statements on federal college student loan applications. As a result, over $40,000 in student loan and grant money was unlawfully received, most of which was spent by the defendants and others on personal items.

MAKARA and MICHAEL PRINGLE are specifically charged with conspiring to commit financial aid fraud and making false statements to commit that fraud. RENADA GIVENS is charged with a single count of lying on a federal student loan application. Each of these crimes carry a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Mr. Tarver emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The indictment arises out of an investigation by the Inspector General's Office of the U.S. Department of Education. Assistant United States Attorney Charlie Bourne is prosecuting the case for the United States. For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 341-7842.